What is The Best Pool Table Felt Colors?
When it comes to pool tables, one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects is the color of the felt.
The felt, or more appropriately the playing cloth, is not just a decorative element; it plays a significant role in the game’s dynamics.
The quality and color of the felt can influence the movement of the balls, the player’s visibility, and even the overall aesthetics of the room.
In this article, I will discuss what the best pool table felt colors are and help you decide which is best for you.
Key Takeaways
- The color of the pool table felt affects gameplay and aesthetics.
- Green and blue are traditional choices, but there’s a wide range of colors available.
- Choosing the right color is a personal decision based on various factors.
What is The Best Pool Table Felt Colors? – The Quick Answer
There are many reasons why someone my might like one color over another, which I will discuss in more detail further down.
The best color often comes down to the personal preferences of players, however in terms of gameplay, none competes with green and blue.
The best pool table felt colors in particular are tournament blue and classic green.
Scientific studies favor tournament blue for performance, which is noticed across multiple sports including tennis courts which are increasingly adopting the color.
Is The Color Important?
The color of the playing surface might not seem significant if you are a beginner, however it is an important decision to make and there are many reasons for this.
- Fatigue
- Playability
- Cleanliness
- Mood and Aesthetics
- Psychological Impact
Fatigue
The primary reason for choosing specific colors for pool table felt is long-term eye comfort.
Eye fatigue is one of the main reasons pool table felt color matters so much.
Green and blue are the most widely used and favored felt colors, especially in billiards halls and tournaments.
These two colors, particularly the classic pool table green and Tournament Blue shades, are easy on the human eye.
Bright colors like for instance red pool table felt or yellow playing cloth can strain the eyes or even cause headaches, especially in brightly lit rooms.
| Pool Table Felt Color | Ease on Eyes |
|---|---|
| Green | Traditionally, green has been a popular choice for pool table felts. It’s believed to be soothing to the eyes and offers a natural look reminiscent of the outdoor greens of sports like lawn tennis. |
| Blue | Another traditional choice, blue is also easy on the eyes. It provides a calm and serene ambiance, which can be particularly beneficial during intense games. |
| Grays and Beiges | Neutral colors like grays and beiges are becoming increasingly popular. They not only blend well with most room decors but are also gentle on the eyes. A cool gray, in particular, is gaining popularity as it matches various spaces and offers a clean look. |
| Deep Maroon/Burgundy | While these might seem like bold choices, deeper shades of red like maroon or burgundy can be quite comforting to the eyes, especially when they’re not too bright. |
| Muted Tones | It’s essential to avoid overly bright colors, especially if the pool table is placed under bright lights. Muted tones or jewel shades, such as a jewel-tone blue instead of a bright neon blue, can be more comforting. |
| Bright Colors | Bright colors, like red and yellow can be very hard on a players eyes. The vibrant and loud colors can be far too distracting over long playing sessions. They are the worst colors to choose of you typically play for long periods at a time. |
Playability
The color of the playing cloth can also affect the visibility of the balls on the table.
Dark colors like black pool table felt, charcoal, burgundy, and navy blue can make the balls, especially the 8-ball, less visible.
Shadows cast by the rails might not be clearly defined on darker felts, which can lead to misjudgments during play.
Cleanliness
Some felt colors show dirt more quickly than others and dark ones in particular show up dust really bad.
This may not bother everyone, but it can be annoying. It is also a good idea to use a chalk color that matches the color of the felt.
Mood and Aesthetics
Pool table color combinations can have a huge influence the overall mood and aesthetic of the room.
For example, green and blue are considered relaxing and soothing, while brighter colors like red and orange are more energetic.
Darker colors and earth tones create a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
Psychological Impact
Different colors can have a huge influence on our emotions and behaviors, which can change the playing experience.
For instance, to create energy, red can be a great choice, while blue is the epitome of calm and serenity.
You can learn more on the fascinating psychology behind pool table colors in my article.
What Are The Most Popular Pool Table Felt Colors
- Green – The traditional green color has a long history and was used in professional play for many years due to its high ball contrast and visibility
- Blue – ‘Tournament Blue’ has become a more appealing choice for players who engage in long sessions and want to minimize eye fatigue. Professional pool tables favor the science behind ‘blue’.
- Burgundy – The rich color adds depth to the table’s overall design, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Burgundy pool table felt is not the hardest color to clean and maintain either.
- Gray – The color of gray playing cloth is a popular choice on a modern pool table and is subtle enough to blend with any room or style while providing an attractive backdrop for the game.
Blue Vs Green Pool Table Felt! Which is Best?
Green Pool Table Felt
Historically, green has been the standard color used for pool tables and has been seen as the traditional choice for centuries.
Green was used to represent the color of grass, reflecting the game’s origins as an outdoor lawn sport.
The transition from an outdoor to an indoor sport led to the adoption of green to maintain the game’s characteristics.
Advantages of Green Pool Table Felt Color
- Green is favored by traditionalists due to its historical significance and its representation of the game’s origins.
- It looks great in various lighting conditions, especially on quality wood tables.
- Provides excellent visibility and contrast with the balls and pockets.
- Reduces glare and is easy on the eyes.
Drawbacks of Green Pool Table Felt Color
While still popular, the dominance of green has waned in recent years.
The shift in professional tournaments towards blue, driven by television requirements and modern research on eye comfort, has played a significant role in its decline in popularity.
Blue Pool Table Felt
Blue, specifically “tournament blue,” has gained traction in recent years and is commonly referred to as “TV blue.” .
It has become the preferred choice in professional tournaments because of the competitive advantages the color offers.
The shift to blue in professional tournaments began in the 1970s due to how green appeared on TV screens.
Advantages of Blue Pool Table Felt Color
- Studies suggest that blue causes less eye strain compared to other colors.
- Blue offers better visibility on the table and contrasts well with other colors.
- The hue of blue promotes calmness, serenity, and tranquility, creating a peaceful playing atmosphere.
- Blue felt is easier on the eyes, especially during prolonged play.
Drawbacks of Blue Pool Table Felt Color
While blue is scientifically favored for eye comfort, traditionalists might still prefer green due to its historical significance.
The purists can sometimes view blue as a departure from the game’s rich history and heritage.
Which Color is Best, Blue or Green Pool Table Felt?
Both green and blue are excellent choices for pool table felt, and the decision largely depends on personal preference.
While green remains a classic and will always have its loyalists, the modern pool world has seen a gradual tilt towards blue as the color of choice for pool table felt.
Traditionalists might lean towards green due to its historical significance, while those looking to emulate the professional game and attracted to modern appeal might prefer blue.
The Problems With Some Brightly Colored Pool Table Felt
When changing the color of pool table felt, you might be considering a bright color, however there are issues with some of them that you need to be aware of.
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Eye Fatigue | Bright colors, especially those like red, yellow, and orange, can be intense and distracting for the eyes, causing discomfort, headaches, or strain in the eyes during prolonged games. |
| Visibility Issues | Colors that are too bright or similar in shade to the balls can reduce contrast on the pool table. It can challenging to differentiate between the edges of the balls and the felt. |
| Lighting Concerns | Bright felt colors reflect more light, especially under bright lighting. This increased reflection can cause glare, further straining the eyes. |
| Aesthetic Disruption | While not directly impacting gameplay, an overly bright felt can disrupt the ambiance of the room. |
How to Choose The Right Pool Table Felt Color?
It’s not just the room’s lighting you have to consider, when selecting pool table felt. There are a few more things you should be considering.
Purpose of the Table
If the table is primarily for casual play and entertainment, you might opt for colors that match the room’s aesthetics or your personal preferences.
However, for professional or competitive play, traditional colors like green or blue might be more appropriate due to their visibility and contrast with the balls.
If you don’t like green or blue, muted colors like for instance, tan pool table felt can look good but without the in your face feel of the bright colors.
Lighting Conditions
The type of lighting in the room can affect how the felt color appears.
For rooms with a lot of natural light, darker felt colors can help reduce glare. In contrast, rooms with dim or artificial lighting might benefit from lighter felt colors to enhance visibility.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Some felt colors, especially lighter shades, can show stains and spills more easily.
If you’re concerned about maintaining the appearance of your table, consider darker or patterned felts that can better hide imperfections.
Cost and Availability
While the color of the felt might not significantly impact the price, certain premium or custom colors might come at a higher cost.
It is also important to balance the cost to usage ratio.
If you play at a competitive level, premium brands like Simonis is a great investment, however you can save a few bucks if you only play casually with friends and family.
Championship Saturn II pool table felt is a fantastic option for recreational players.
- Although it is a budget friendly playing cloth, it’s performance is more quality premium level and comes in a range of different colors.
- The Teflon coated material also has a high resistance to liquid spillages providing a long lasting material.
Trends and Popularity
While traditional colors like green and blue remain popular, there’s a growing trend towards unconventional colors like gray, purple, or even patterned designs.
Keeping an eye on current design trends can help you choose a color that feels contemporary and stylish.
Feedback from Other Players
If you’re part of a pool club or have friends who play, getting their feedback can be invaluable.
They can provide insights based on their experiences with different felt colors.
Consider Room Decor
In brightly lit rooms, the pool table becomes a focal point. Hence, it’s essential to choose a felt color that complements the room’s decor.
Whether you’re aiming for a classic, modern, or eclectic look, ensure that the felt color aligns with the room’s aesthetic.
Test in Person
If possible, visit a store or showroom to see the felt colors in person.
Pictures online might not accurately represent the true color, so seeing them firsthand can help you make a more informed decision.
References
https://billiards.colostate.edu/bd_articles/2017/may17.pdf
https://www.color-management-guide.com/eye-and-colors.html
https://blattbilliards.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-best-color-felt-for-a-pool-table
https://www.homebeautifully.com/best-color-for-pool-table-felt/
